Designing and Building in the Developing World

Presented by: Kellie Farster, PE, LEED AP, CDT

                         David J. Stringer, PE

                         Tom Yost, PE, LEED AP

                         Sophie Martin, EIT  

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Description:

 

This unique panel presentation focuses on durable, comfortable, and sustainable building enclosures designed and built in developing nations by, in part, volunteers from Washington, DC. Panelists include designers who are members of Engineers Without Borders (EWB) or Engineering Ministries International (EMI)--two non-profit humanitarian organizations that work with local labor and local materials to help create better buildings.

Professionals and volunteers with EWB and EMI will discuss the building design and construction projects all over the world. Projects to be discussed are in Uganda, India, Panama and more. Panelists will share personal stories of their experiences in these locations. They'll also cover techniques they used in designing the best envelope for the land and climate, material choices, structural design, construction methods, and more.

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Learning Objectives:

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At the completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Discuss and understand how design and construction practices in the U.S. differ from practices in developing countries, and learn when it is appropriate and how to apply certain skill sets, particularly as they relate to the enclosure;

• Explore how to design for communities in developing countries, using local materials and skills so that the building will be valued and maintained;

• Describe how to select building enclosure materials based on location, resources, climate, and culture; and

• Explore how to become informed about volunteering with EWB and EMI Event.

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Presenter Bios:

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Kellie Farster, PE, LEED AP, CDT – Project Manager and Director of Building Information Modeling, SK&A Structural Engineers

• Provided structural engineering services for various EMI construction projects in India, Uganda, Tanzania, and Southern Sudan.

David J. Stringer, PE – Structural Engineer III, SK&A Structural Engineers

• Provided structural engineering services for various EMI construction projects in East Africa.

Tom Yost, PE, LEED AP – Senior Associate, Walter P. Moore

• Lead structural engineer for EWB’s library/tech center construction project in Panama

Sophie Martin, EIT – Associate II, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates

•   EWB volunteer, presentation moderator

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Event is free for Students, Assoc. AIA, AIA, & DAC Members, and $25 for non-members.  Please click here​ to register.

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1.5 HSW|LUs (Credits Pending)